Workers’ Compensation Mistakes to Avoid in Massachusetts

After suffering an injury on the job, Massachusetts workers’ compensation laws provide a legal right for most employees to collect workers’ compensation benefits as they recover from their injuries. However, the workers’ compensation claims process is complicated to navigate alone, and many factors could prevent you from obtaining the payments you deserve. Educating yourself on what to avoid during the claims process is crucial to strengthening your case and avoiding a claim denial.

If you were hurt at work, avoid making these mistakes and improve your chances of getting approved for workers’ compensation benefits:

If you were injured on the job, seeking medical treatment right away is vital not only for your health and well-being but also to support your workers’ compensation case. Far too often, people believe their injuries are minor and attempt to work through them, only to find out later their injuries are worse than they thought. Getting treatment immediately through the emergency department, urgent care or your primary care physician will ensure the injury is addressed quickly and documented. Follow-up treatment is just as important as your initial visit. Try to see your doctor at least once a month so your progress can be monitored and changes can be made to your treatment plan if necessary.

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, report your injury to your employer immediately after it happens and make sure you complete an incident report. If you wait to report your injury, and your injuries are later more severe than initially thought, your right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits could be at risk of being denied.

When seeing a doctor, be honest about how the injury happened and explain it occurred while you were working, even if your employer wants you to say it happened at home. Lying to the medical personnel trying to treat you will make it more difficult for them to assist and could jeopardize your right to workers’ compensation benefits.

After a work injury, create a folder or log to document everything that happens with your case. Write down everything you remember about the incident, and keep track of your medical appointments. Obtain a copy of your completed incident report and keep all your medical documents in one place. Keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, prescriptions, parking receipts, mileage, and time missed from work. Under the Massachusetts workers’ compensation laws, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company is responsible for paying all reasonable, necessary, and related medical expenses, including mileage reimbursement. They also are required to cover your lost wages.

Trying to go it alone can be overwhelming with workers’ compensation cases. The law can be difficult to understand, and insurance companies can often make you think they are on your side. Having a reputable workers’ compensation attorney by your side gives you the best chance of getting approved for workers’ compensation benefits and obtaining all the benefits you are legally entitled to. A skilled attorney will manage your claim, gather all required evidence for your case, and ensure your rights are protected from the initial claim until case closure.

The workers’ compensation attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers know how to navigate the tricky workers’ compensation laws in Massachusetts. The laws in the Commonwealth are still complex, and workers are at risk of their claims being denied. They could face months without having the help they need to recover fully. Our attorneys stand up for the injured workers and their families to ensure they receive maximum compensation to get back on track. We help deal with the insurance, so you can focus on getting better.

Hurt at work? Contact us today by submitting a form or calling our office at 617-777-7777 for a free legal consultation.